Dynamoelectric machine



3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

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A. SERNA DYNAMOELECTRIC MACHINE April 27, 1954 Filed Aug. 21, 1952 .April 27, 1954 A, SERNA 2,677,066v

DYNAMOELECTRIC MACHINE Filed Mig. 21. l952` 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 April 27, 1954 A. SERNA DYNAMOELECTRIC MACHINE 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR.

Filed Aug. 21, 1952 Patented Apr. 27, y1954 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,377,066 DYAMOELECTRC MACHINE Alex Serna,- Dearborn, Mich. Application Augustl 21, 1952, Serial No. 365,591

(Cl. S10-478) 14 Claims.

This invention relates vto electrical machinery and, particular, to electric dynainos ormotors.

One object of .this .invention is to provide an electric dynamo wherein current is generatedby the rotation, in a magnetic iield, of a rotor including a pair of discs separated by a Igap con'- taining an ionizable gas, the current thus generated in 'ther-discs being caused to .flowacross that gap when that gap arrives .adjacent a reversedpolarity polea-piece in` the .eld magnet structure, the current thus caused to lflow being taken ofi by means of collector rings and brushes from vthe rotor shaft.

Another object lis to provide an .electric dynamo of the foregoing character wherein the gapy consists either of a single annular space `between the ends of iianges extending toward .one another from the rotor discs or of ra multiplicity of individual gaps 'disposed in circumferentiallyspaced relationship laround the periphery of the rotor, Vthe gaps or igaps in either case being enclosed within suitable containers so as 'to imprison and prevent the escape of lthe ionizable gas in the gap or gaps.

Another object is to provide `an electric dynamo of the foregoing character Ywherein theelectr'o'des on one side ofthe gap are coated with an electron-emissive material from which .a `stream of electrons is `caused to flow `across the gap when the gap arrives adjacent the reversed polarity pole piece of the field magnet structure.

Another object is to :provide an electric dynamo of the foregoing character wherein thercurrent induced in the discs "elsewhere thanadjacent the reversed polarity lpole piece opposes and cancels out other current similarly `induced but flowing in opposite directions within the discs, this opposing and cancelling flow of current ccasing at the portion of the discs momentarily adja cent the said reversed-polarity pole piece` Another `Objectis to provide an electric dynamo' of the foregoing character wherein the Ygap or gaps dispense with the brushes'ctherwise lneeded tov contact the discs in order tol take oif the cur-f rent at the peripheries oi the discs.

Another object is to provide a modified electric dynamo wherein the rotor contains two or .more sets of discs insulated from one another and provided with independent current now gaps, sc

as to increase the voltage of the current -generated `duri-ng vthe operation of the machine.

Another object iste provide an electric dynamo of the foregoing character which canalso 'be used as a vmotor rby supplying current thereto.

Another object is to provide an velectric 'dynamo' 2 of the foregoing character wherein the electrically-interconnected stationary brushes engaging `the peripheries of a pair of separated discs are eliminated by the use of thereversed polarity pole piece in the gap between the other eld magnets, in cooperation with the electronic unidirectional current-conducting devices associated therewith.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent during the course of the following description of the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of an electric dynamo or motor, according kto one form of the invention;

Figure 2 is a central vertical crosssection through the dynaxnoor motor of Figure 1, taken along the line 2 2 in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a central vertical longitudinal sec'- tion taken along the line 3--3 in Figure 2;

Figure 4l is a diagrammatic developed side elevation of .the current flow gaps, taken along the arcuate line 4 4 in Figure 2, with the arrows showing the direction of rotation of the rotor and consequent flow of the current when the machine is in use as a dynamo;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary view similar to Figure 3, but showing 'a modification employing a plurality of discs in the rotor;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary view similar to Fig ure 3, but with the rotor in elevation, showing a further modicationemploying a eld Winding;

kFigure '7 is a View similar to Figure 3, but showing a still further modification wherein the rotor discs are cupeshaped so as to provide a single continuous annular gap between the edges of the disc flanges; and

Figure `8 is a vertical cross-section taken along the line 8-8 in Figure '7.

It lhas long been known that when discs of electrically-conducting material are rotated in a magnetic eld, electric current is caused to 110W in the discs and thisA current may be taken oil by appropriately-located brushes placed in contact with lthe discsl The brushes, however, in

such an `apparatus must remain in a iixed location, for if they are moved, the ilow of current ceases by reason of opposing currents set up in the discs and cancelling out one another. Due to the mechanical diiic'ulties involved in constiu'c'ting a dynamo of this kind, practical use of this principle is not easy to achieve.

The' present invention, however, eliminates the need for such brushes in contact with the discs and, `in contrast, flow' of current is effected by providing one or more pairs of discs separated ao'zigoce from one another by small gaps having an ionizing gas extending therebetween and having pairs of electrodes, one electrode of each pair being preferably coated with an electron-emissive substance establishing a uni-directional flow of current-carrying electrons during operation of the machine. The current is caused to now in a circuit enabling it to be taken oir by the use of a field pole piece of reversed polarity relatively to the remaining field pola magnets, whereas the currents induced elsewhere in the discs cancel one another out by reason of their opposing nature.

Referring to the drawings in detail, Figures l to 4 inclusive show a dynamo-electric machine, generally designated I0, constructed according to one form of the invention and which, while preferably used as a dynamo, may also be used as a motor. For the purposes of description, it will be assumed that the machine is to be operated i as a dynamo and will therefore be referred to as the dynamo IIl. The dynamo I3 is provided with a pair of dished casing halves I l and I2 (Figure 3) with end plate portions I3 and lli and peripheral portions I5 and I5 respectively having their adjacent edges I1 and I3 in engagement with one another and held in such engagement by bolts lil passing through holes 2t in peripheral bosses 2l (Figure 2). The casing halves Il and i2 preferably formed from soft iron and are provided with annular recesses 22 and 23 (Figure S) which in assembly form a partly annular internal groove 24 disposed on opposite sides of the parting line or plane 25 between the two casing halves II and I2.

Mounted in the groove 24 in side-by-side abutting relationship are the arcuate outer ends 25 of truncated sector-shaped permanent neld ma.,-

ynets 21, the arcuate inner ends 28 of which engage an arcuate partly annular groove 23 in an arcuate retaining member 30. The grooves 2li and 2S extend only partway around the casing halves I I, I2 (Figure 2) leaving a pair of gaps 3l, 32 between the endmost magnets 2i and an isolated pole piece 33. The magnets 21 are arranged with their outer ends 25 all of one polarity and their inner ends 28 all of the opposite polarity, whereas the isolated pole 33 at its inner arcuate end 3&1 has an opposite polarity to the inner ends 28 of the permanent field magnets 21. The isolated pole 33 is of the same general shape as the field magnets 21 but is preferably of the same soft iron as the casing halves Il and I2, although it optionally may consist of a permanent magnet with reversed polarity relatively to the permanent magnets 21.

The end plate portions I3 and I4 of the casing halves II and I2 are provided at their centers with aligned bores 31 and 38 respectively (Figure 3) which receive bearings 39 and di) having bearing bores 4I and 42 in which is journaled a hollow shaft 43 having a bore 44 therein. Pinned or otherwise secured as at 45 to one end of the shaft 43 is a pulley 45 whereas mounted on the opposite end thereof and drivingly secured thereto is a disc 41 of insulating material having a bore 48 receiving the shaft 43. The periphery of the disc 51 is grooved or rabbeted as at @It and 5|! to receive collecting rings 5l and y52 of electrically-conducting material such as copper or brass separated from one another by the annular ridge 53 of' insultaing material between them. The collecting rings 5I and 52 are engaged by conventional brushes 54 and y55 respectively mounted on the insulated portion 55 of a bracket 51 secured to the casing half I2, the brushes 54 and 55 being held in place by screws 58 (Figure 3). The shaft 43 is provided with an annular enlargement 59 adjacent the end carrying the current collector, generally designated '59, which consists of the assembly of the insulating discs 41 and collecting rings 5I and 52.

Mounted upon and drivingly secured to the central portion of the shaft #33 between the casing halves II and I2 is a drum 5I of soft iron or similar magnetic material, the drum El being provided with a cylindrical peripheral surf ace 62. Mounted on the opposite ends of the drum 6I l are centrally-flanged insulating discs F53 which in turn have centrally-flanged rotor discs 64 and 65 of electrically-conducting material such as copper mounted thereon. The discs 64 and 65 at their peripheries are provided with a multiplicity of circumferentially-spaced rod-like electrodes 66 and 161 (Figure 3) projecting toward one another.

Each pair of electrodes 5'5 and 61 have their inner ends 68 and 69 separated from one another by a gap 10, each gap 1n being enclosed in a short tube 1l of insulating material extending over the ends of the electrodes 66 and 61 and filled with lan ionizable gas such as argon, neon, krypton, xenon, hydrogen or the like. The electrodes 6B and 81 and tubes 1 I are preferably of elongated cross-section, the median planes of which are inclined relatively to the radii of the drum 6I (Figure 2). The ends 68 of the electrodes 'E5 are also preferably coated with a layer 12 of electronemissive substance such as caesium (Figures 3 `and 4). In place of the gas-filled tube 1I, other unidirectional conductors of alternating current rectifying material may be used, for example, selenium, copper-oxide or germanium.

Extending from the centrally-danger portions 13 and 14 respectively of the rotor discs 64 and 65 through holes 15 and 16 in the shaft 43 are conductors 11 and 18 leading respectively to and connected to the collecting rings 5I and 52 respectively. The conductors 11 and 18 pass lengthwise through the bore 44 in the hollow shaft 43, the conductor 11 emerging at the left-hand end thereof and the conductor 18 passing through a hole 19 near the insulating disc 41. The assembly of the permanent eld magnets 21 is generally designated as the field 8D. The assembly of the drum 6I, insulating disc 63, rotor discs 64, 65, electrodes 56, 61 and tubes 1I is generally designated as the rotor 3|.

The modified dynamoelectric machine, generally designated shown in Figure 5 is generally similar in construction and operation to the dynarnoelectric machine I0 of Figures 1 to 4 inclusive and similar parts are designated with the same reference numerals. The machine 9U, however, is provided with a compound rotor, generally designated 9|, which includes the construction of the rotor 8| but has additional centrally-iianged rotor discs 92 and 93 separated from the rotor discs B4 and 65 by centrallyanged insulating discs 94 and 95 respectively. The outer rotor discs 92 and 93 are preferably of electrically-conducting materiaL'such as copper or brass, and have outer electrodes 96 and 91 extending toward one another and having spaced ends 98 and 99 surrounded and enclosed by insulating tubes |03 similar to the insulating tubes 69 and similarly having gaps IDI filled with an ionizable gas, such as those mentioned above. The end of the electrode 98 is provided with a coating 98a of electron-emisslve material similar to the Lcoating 12 on the end of vthe `elec trede 66.

The centralilange 13 of the inner Vrotor disc 64 is connected by the .conductor '|02 4to the central flange |03 of the Aouter rotor disc 93, whereas the central yflange v||l4 -oi the outer Irotor ldisc 92 is connected to the conductor 11 which runs, as 4before, Vto the collecting ring At2 ci the current collector Sie. The conductor 18 runs from the central flange T4 of the inner .rotor disc 565 to the .collecting lring 5.! `as before. The rotor discs 265, 264, 93, 92 are thus :disposed in .series with -one another. The Voperation of the Ama chine SB is vsimilar to that of the machine l0 and iis .described below.

vThe modi-ned .dynamoelectric machine 3| 5.6 shown in Fig-ure 6 .is generally `similar to the dynamo electric machine .Iii `.of Figures l to 4 inclusive except that in place of .the permanent magnets .21 Ithere are .provided Atemporary magnets |II similarly mounted .but .of soit iron .or other temporarily magnetic material. To .magnetize l.these magnets yIH, .there Vare provided opposits eldcoils .or windings H2 and H3 located respectively in annular recesses H4 Aand H5 in the casing halves Il and I'2 and supplied .with electric current .through pairs of conductors l i6, H1 and .i.|8, ||.9 respectively, the casing halves and .l2 :being .suitably bored for the passage of these conductors. Thecoils H2 and M3 are insulated Lby an insulating coating or layer l2@ and .fl-22| respectively. The operation of .this form of :the invention is also described below and is similar in principle to that oi" `the foregoing forms of the invention. The coils H2, H3, however, are of .course energized by .a separate source of excitation, .the current output voltage being of theorder of .approximately .20 times the excita tion voltage applied to the coils l l2 and H3.

.'.Ihe modified dynamoelectric machine I3@ shown in Figures .'.7 and 8 is .also similar in construction and `operation to the machine lo of Figures .1 to ,li inclusive vand similar parts Aare liliewise similarly designated. In place of the individual multiple kelectrodes 66, 61 and individual i, tubes 5| l enclosing their ends 68 and 6.9 and the i' gan .I between them, vthe rotor discs |64 .and |65 of Figures 7 and 8 areprovided with continuous annular flanges |66* and ll extending toward one another `and having their inner annular edges |68 and |69 separated from one another by a `short gap Il!! surrounded by and enclosed by yinner and outer sleeves ITI and V52 respectively. The electrode -ends |68, like the electrode ends ,68 of Figure 3, are similarly coated with a layer |13 of electron-emissive material and the space filled with a similar ionizable gas. The rotor, generally designated |14, .thus formed is also connected to the current collector `(i ina similar manner to that shown in Figure 3, and the cup-shaped rotor discs .|64 and |565 Iare similarly constructed of current-conducting :material such as copper or brass.

The operation of the various forms or the invention as a dynamo is generally the same. In each case, npower is applied to the driving pulley 4.,r such Aas by a belt driven by a prime mover of any suitable type Vsuch as a steam engine, internal combustion engine, gas or steam turbine, and, in the case of the modification Ilo of Figure 16, current is also suppliedto the .neld windings ;!:|2 .and |13. Assuming that the rotor 8|, Sil., 'H4 is rotated ina rdirection indicated by theY .arcuate arrows, .and .also assuming that lines oi iforce extend .radially inward Aas shown by the 6 straight arrows in Figures V2 Land J8, the conse quent cutting of these lines of magnetic .force by the rotor discs land their electrodes .causes currents to flow therein. These currents, how ever, are of opposing natures, as indicated by the opposing arrows in Figures 3 .and 7, :and cancel one another lout except .at .the isolated eld pole 3310i reversed polarity. At 'thislocation l(Figures 2 and 8), the opposing factors .are eliminated and the current flows through the electrodes `and across .the gaps Sbetween them, carried by the stream of electrons passing in .one direction -only `across these gaps and through 'the ionized `gas therein. This construction :prevents the flow of electricity in the .opposite direction across vthe gaps. Thecurrent thus generated Ain the respective rotor ,81, :H15 .or |14 is conveyed to -the collecting rings v5l, .52 .of .the current .collector Teti by .the conductors :Ti and .'i -and, inthe case of the Figure 5 modification, the .conductor JZ. The lcompound constructionei .the loompound .rotor alte .-in Figure 5, as previously stated, results vin the production of .a higher voltagethan inthe simpler forms of rotors 8| and IM.

As shown .by the .arrows .arranged in the .orbital Y.paths designated .|86 and |8i in Figures .3 and f7, the .magnetic flux induces opposing .currents in the .rotor discs and electrodes respectively, yas indicated by the opposing directions lpf their respective straight arrows therein, whereas in the regions Vadjacent the isolated ,field pole .'33 of reverse polarity, the magnetic Vilu-Klas indicated by the arrows .lez and :83 (Figures 2 and 8) is in an orbital path forming a continuous imagnetic circuit with radial .sides extending through the held pole Y33 and resulting, as stated above, -in the elimination of the opposing factors at this location. The current flow in the region .adjacent the end 34 of the isolated iield pole '3,3 of reversed .polarity is shown diagrammatically in Figure 4.

In any ofthe forms of .the invention, the .construction and .arrangement of 'the reversed polarity magnetic pole piece 33 in the gap 3| between the .opposite ends vof the arcuate assembly of field magnets 21, in cooperation with the electronic unidirectional current-conducting devices Si; .to f'l2 inclusive is such that when the rotation ofthe rotor brings these devices successively in irontoi the reversed polarity pole 33, the r.passage oi-.current from one to the other of the discs 64, B5 is favored, whereupon the xed path thus `provided for the current is analogous to the mechanical arrangement of a stationary brush engaging the periphery of each disc, with the brushes interconnected by a stationary metallic link. If desired, a third electrode may be inserted in the gap for control purposes.

What I claim is:

1. A dynamoelectric machine comprising a eld magnet structure including a casing of-magnetizable 'material a plurality of Vmagnets having magnetic poles disposed in an `arcuate path in said casing, the opposite endsof-saidfieldmagnet structure being se-parated from one another by an arcuate -spacefan isolated field magnet pole of reverse polarity relatively to the polarities of said iield magnet structure disposed in said arcuate spa-ce, ya rotor lrotatably mounted adjacent said eld magnet structure and cutting the magnetic field thereof, said rotor inciuding a shaft, a pair of discs of electrically-conducting 'material mounted onsaid shaft in axially-spaced relationship, a core of magnetic material disposed =between said discs, and a unidirectional electric current-conducting device mounted on and electrically interconnecting the peripheries of said discs; and a current collector including collector elements mounted on said shaft and electrically connected to said discs and conta-ct members engaging said collector elements for withdrawing therefrom the electric current generated therein, said machine having therein one path of magnetic flux directed inwardly from said magnets to said core, then axially outward in both directions through the discs to the magnetic casing and thence back to the magnets, said machine also having another path of magnetic ux directed inwardly from said magnets to said core and circumferentially in said core to an area opposite said reversed-polarity field magnet pole, then outwardly through said current-conducting device into said reversed-polarity field magnet pole and thence through said magnetic casing back to said magnets.

2. A dynamoelectric machine comprising a field magnet structure including a casing of magnetizable material a plurality of magnets having magnetic poles disposed in an arcuate path in said casing, the opposite ends of said field magnet structure being separated from one another by an arcuate space, an isolated field magnet pole of reverse polarity relatively to the polari ties of said field magnet structure disposed in said arcuate space, a rotor rotatably mounted adjacent said field magnet structure and cutting the magnetic eld thereof, said rotor including a shaft, a pair of discs of electrically-conducting material mounted on said shaft in axially-spaced relationship, a core of magnetic material disposed between said discs, and a unidirectional electric current-conducting device mounted on and electrically interconnecting the peripheries of said discs, said device including an electrode mounted on the periphery of each disc and extending toward the opposite disc, said electrodes extending adjacent one another with a gap therebetween; and a current collector including collector elements mounted on said shaft and electrically connected to said discs and contact members engaging said `collector elements for withdrawing therefrom the electric current generated therein, said machine having therein one path cf magnetic flux direct-ed inwardly from said magnets to said core, then axially outward in both directions through the discs to the magnetic casing and thence back to the magnets, said machine also having another path of magnetic flux directed inwardly from said magnets to said core and circumferentially in said core to an area opposite said reversed-polarity eld magnet pole, then outwardly through said current-conducting device into said reversed-polarity field magnet pole and thence through said magnetic casing back to said magnets.

3. A dynamoelectric machine comprising a eld magnet structure including a casing of magnetizable material a plurality of magnets having magnetic poles disposed in an arcuate path in said casing, the opposite ends of said field magnet structure being separated from one another by an arcuate space, an isolated field magnet pole of reverse polarity relatively to the polarities of said field magnet structure disposed in said arcuate space, a rotor rotatably mounted adjacent said eld .magnet structure and cutting the magnetic field thereof, said rotor including a shaft, Ia pair of discs of electrically-conducting material mounted on said shaft in axially-spaced relationship, a core of magnetic material disposed tween and an ionizable gas disposed in said gap;

and a current collector including collector elementsv mounted on said shaft and electrically connected to said discs and contact members engaging said collector elements for withdrawing therefrom the electric current generated therein, said machine having therein one path of magnetic iiux directed inwardly from said magnets to said core, then axially outward in both directions through the discs to the magnetic casing and thence back to the magnets, said machine also having another path of magnetic ux directed inwardly from said magnets to said core and circumferentially in said core to an area opposite said reversed-polarity field magnet pole, then outwardly through said current-conducting device into said reversed-polarity field magnet pole and thence through said magnetic casing back to said magnets.

4. A dynamoelectric machine comprising a field magnet structure including a casing of magnetizable material a plurality of magnets having magnetic poles disposed in an arcuate path in said casing, the opposite ends of said eld magnet structure being separated from one another by an arcuate space, an isolated field magnet pole of reverse polarity relatively to the polarities of said field magnet structure disposed in said arcuate space, a rotor rotatably mounted adjacent said cld magnet structure and cutting the magnetic neld thereof, said rotor including a shaft, a pair of discs of electrically-conducting material mounted on said shaft in axially-spaced relationship, a core of magnetic material disposed between said discs, and a unidirectional electric current-conducting device mounted on and electrically interconnecting the peripheries of said discs, said device including an electrode mounted on the periphery of each disc and ex tending toward the opposite disc, said electrodes extending adjacent one another with a gap therebetween and an ionizable gas disposed in said gap, one of said electrodes having a layer of electron-emissive material thereon at a location adjacent said gap; and a current collector including collector elements mounted on said shaft and electrically connected to said discs and contact members engaging said collector elements for withdrawing therefrom the electric current generated therein, said machine having therein one path of magnetic iiux directed inwardly from said magnets to said core, then axially outward in both directions through the discs to the magnetic casing and thence back to the magnets, said machine also having another path of magnetic flux directed inwardly from said magnets to said core and circumferentially in said core to an area opposite said reversed-polarity field magnet pole, then outwardly through said current-conducting device into said reversed-polarity field magnet pole and thence through said magnetic casing back to said magnets.

5. A dynamoelectric machine comprising a field magnet structure including a casing of magnetiza'ole material a plurality of magnets having magnetic poles disposed in an arcuate path in said casing, the opposite ends of said `field magnet structure being separated from one another 9. by an` arcuate space; an isolated fieldmagnet pole of reverse polarity relativelyto the polaritiesA ofr said field magnet structure disposed in said arcuate space, a rotor rotatably mounted adjacent said; eld magnet structure and cutting the magnetic eld thereof, saidrotor including a shaft, a pair of discs of electricallyeconducting material mounted relationship; aA core of magnetic material disposed between said discs, and aunidirectional electric current-conducting device mounted on and electrically interconnecting the peripheries of said discs, saidv deviceinclu'ding a multiplicity of electrodes connected to thev peripheries of said discs and extending toward one another with gaps separatingA their" adjacent ends, said electrodes being disposed around the peripheries of said discs in circumferentially-spaced relationship; and a current collector including collector elements mounted on said shaft and electrically connected' to said discs and contact members engaging said collector' elements for withdrawing therefrom the electric current generatedy therein, said machine having therein one pathof magnetic flux directed inwardly from said magnets. to said core; then axially outward in both directions through the discs to the magnetic casing. and thence back to the magnets,- said. machine also having another path, of magnetic flux directed inwardly from saidv magnets to saidcorerand circumerentially in saidi core toY an area opposite saidzv reversed-polarity' iield` magnet pola. then outwardly through. said. current-conducting devicev intoisaid reversedepolarity field magnet. pole and thence through:saidzmagneticr casingV back: to said magnets.

6.4 A dynamoelectricV machine;- comprising' a fieldmagnet structure. including a'. casing'of. magnetizable material a1 plurality' of: magnets having magnetic poles disposed; in. an arcuate path in saldi casing, the. opposite-emision said vfieldmagnet structurel being separated. froinz oneianotlrer by an. arcuate space, an isolated. field magnet pole: of reverse polarity relatively toithepolaritiesofsaid field. magnet.. structurer disposed said; arcuate space,J a rotor rotatably mountedadjacent said field magneti structure'y andcuttin'g themagnetic field thereni,` saidggrotor inclu-ding ai shaft.- a pair of= discs. of electricallyioonducting material mounted on said shaft in: axially-spacedrela'- tionshin.L a core; cit-"magnetic material disposed between said` discs, and: a` unidirentiorarl-,v electricy currents-conducting .device mounted. on. and eieetrically-` interconnecting the peripheries; oi. said discs;` said: device.r including. a'.- multiplicity'of; elec-A trodes connected` to: the. peripheriesofsaid dises andy extending toward onek another-f with: gaps separating theirv adjacent ends,` and'. an ionizable gas.. disposed in each gap. said electrodes being disposed. around. the peripheries of. said discs in circuinferentiallyespaced. relationship; and a current collector including collecter.` elements mounted. on said shaft and. electrically' connected tosaid discs and contact;members` engaging-said collector. elem entsfor withdrawing therefrom the electric current generatedA therein. said machine having thereinone path of magneticflux` directed. inwardly from said; magnets to= saidv core, then axially outward in both directions through the discs tothe magnetic casing andthenoebackto l the ma'g'netslv said machine also having another pathv of magnetic' flux directed inwardly from said. .magnets to said` core'i and fcircumferentially in: said'core` to' an' area opposite said! reversed-polarity field! magnet pole, thenoutwamdlyfthroogh on said shaft in axially-spaced` l0 saidr current-conductingdevioe into' said. reversedepolarity field magnet pole and thence through said magnetic casing back to said magnets.

7.A A dynamoelectric machine comprising a eld magnet structure including a casing of magnetizaole material a plurality cf magnets having magnetic poles disposed in an arcuate path in said casing, the opposite ends of said field magnet structure being separated from one another by an. arcuate space, an isolated field magnet pole of reverse polarity relativelyto the polarities of saideld magnet structure disposedin said arcuate space, a rotor rotatably mounted adjacent said neldmagnet structure and cutting the magnetic field thereon said rotor including a shaft, a pair of discs of electrically-conducting material mounted on said shaft inA axially-spaced rela'- tionship, a core of magnetic material disposed between said discs', andv a unidirectional electric currentfoonduoting device mounted on and electricallyv interconnecting the peripheries of said discs, said device including a; multiplicity of electrades; connected tov the` periphe'ries ofV said. discs andextending toward oneanother with gaps separating their adjacent. ends and an ionizable; gas disposed'. in, eachiz gap, said electrodes' being disposed around thev peripheriesl of said discs in cir- =cumferentially-spacedu relationship,y I.the electrodes. connected to one of saidl discs having layers of electroneemissivemateriali thereon adjacent said. gaps; anda current; collector including collector. elementsmountedzonsaid shaft-and electrically connected.. to: said discs; and. contat members engaging. said. collector.u elements, for withdrawing-5 therefrom the: electric.: current; genseated. therein, saidimacliine havingk therein. one path of.' magnetic flux; directed; inwardly. from magnets to, said. cure,4 then; axially' outward in beth. directions through-tha discsitn the. mag.- neticcasing and. thence haakte.' tne-.magnetasaid machinealso; having another nath of. magnetic linx. directed. inwardly from. saidf magnets to;- said cereand lroumferentialli inzsaidc'ore toganxarea oppositiev safd reversedepoiarityZieldmagnet@ pole. then. outwardly' throughf sad..ourrentconducting device into said'reversed-pola y held. magnet polie ansi-thence; thrnuglr. magnetia` casing back to saidmagnets...

S.. A, dynamoelectrin; comprising a field magnet stnicturefincluding aicasingof. mag.- netizableinaterai, a. plurality.'y of' magnets: having magnetic: pales disposed. ini. an.' arcuate path. in sai'dcasing; thenppositeendsioisaidfieldmagnet structurehenig. separated. fram one; another by an: arcuate l space; an. isolated-.field magnetpole: oi

' reverseipolarityfrelatlyelytothefpolarities offsaid held; magnet'- structure disposed-l in; said arcuate space; a rotor: rotatablyT mounted. adjacent' said dela magnet: structure. andcu'tting the magnetic neld thereof; said rotorineiu'ding a shaft, a p'luralityr oipairs" of'V dises of` electricallyiconducting material meunt'ed' on' saidshaft', one: pairV oi" said dises' heilig" mounted in axially-spaced'. relations ship: with. the other* pair' of said discsg, a core' of magneticA material' disposed between said' discs, and' a unidirectional electric current-conducting device mounted on and electrically interconnect.- ing the peripheries of the.axially-spaceolpairs of saidV discs; 'andi a. current collector including co1- l'ector elements. mounted. onsad shaft and, electrically connected to said' discs and contact members engaging said collector elements for withdi-awingtherefrom the electric current gen'- erated therein. said machine having therein one path of magnetic flux directed inwardhr from said magnets to said core, then axially outward in both directions through the discs to the magnetic casing and thence back to the magnets, said machine also having another path of magnetic flux directed inwardly from said magnets to said core and circumferentially in said core to an area opposite said reversed-polarity field magnet pole, then outwardly through said current-conducting device into said reversed-polarity field magnet pole and thence through said magnetic casing back to said magnets.

9. A dynamoelectric machine comprising a field magnet structure including a casing of magnetizalole material a plurality of magnets having magnetic poles of like polarity disposed in an arcuate path with an interval separating the opposite ends of said path and a field magnet with a magnetic pole of permanently magnetic material of reversed polarity relatively to the polarities of the .field magnet structure disposed in said interval, a rotor rotatably mounted adjacent said fiield magnet structure, said rotor including a shaft, a pair of discs of electrically-conducting material mounted on said shaft in axially-spaced relationship, a core of magnetic material disposed between said discs, and a unidirectional electric current conducting device mounted on and electrically interconnecting the peripheries or" said discs; and a current collector including collector elements mounted on said shaft and electrically connected to said discs and contact members engaging said collector elements .for withdrawing therefrom the electric current generated therein, said machine having therein one path of magnetic fiux directed inwardly from said magnets to said core, then axially outward in both directions through the dicsc to the magnetic casing and thence back to the magnets, said machine alsohaving another path `of magnetic `flux directed inwardly fromsaid magnets to said core and circumferentially Jin said core to an 4area opposite said reversedspolarity field magnet pole,` then outwardly through said current-conducting device into' saidreversed-polarity field .magnet pole, and thence through said magnetic casing back to said magnets.

l0. A `dynamoelectric machine comprising a field magnet structure including a casing of magnetizable material a plurality-of magnets having magnetic poles vdisposed' in an arcuatepath in ,said casing, the opposite ends of said fieldmagnet vstructune .being separated from one another by an arcuate space, arr-.isolated field magnet pole of reverse polarity relatively to the polaritiesV of 'said field magnet structuradisposed in said arcuate space, a winding disposed adjacent said field magnet structure and adapted to be connected to a source of electric current, a rotor rotatably mounted adjacent said iield magnet structure and cutting the magnetic field thereof, said rotor including a shaft, a pair of discs ofelectricallyconducting material mounted onl said shaftl in axiallyspaced relationship, a core of magnetic material disposed between said discsy and aiunidirectional electric current-conducting device mounted on and electrically interconnecting the peripheries of said discs; and a current collector including collector elements mounted on said shaft and electrically connected to said discs and contact Amembers 'engaging' said collector elements for withdrawing' therefrom'the'electric `current generated therein, said machine having therein one path of magnetic flux directed in- ,wardly ,from said fmagnets to saidcOre, then axially outward in both directions through the discs to the magnetic casing and thence back to the magnets, said machine also having another path of magnetic fiux directed inwardly from said magnets to said core and circumferentially in said core to an area opposite said reversedpolarity field magnet pole, then outwardly through said current-conducting device into said reversed-polarity field magnet pole and thence through said magnetic casing back to said magnets.

11. A dynamoelectric machine comprising a eld magnet structure including a casing of magnetizable material a plurality of magnets having magnetic poles disposed in an arcuate path in said casing, the opposite ends of said field magnet structure being separated from one another by an arcuate space, an isolated held magnet pole of reverse polarity relatively to the polarities of Said field magnet structure disposed in said arcuate space, a rotor rotatably mounted adjacent said field magnet structure and cutting the magnetic field thereof, said rotor including a shaft, a pair of discs of electrically-conducting material mounted on said shaft in axially-spaced relationship, a core of magnetic material disposed between said discs, and a unidirectional electric current-conducting device mounted on and electrically interconnecting the peripheries of said discs, said device including approximately cylindrical flanges extending from the peripheries of said discs toward one another with a gap between their adjacent edges; and a current collector including collector elements mounted on said shaft and electrically connected to said discs'and contact members engaging said collector elements for withdrawing therefrom the electric current generated therein, said machine having therein one path of magnetic flux directed inwardly from said magnetsv to said core, then axially outward ,in both directions through the discs to the magcore and circumferentially in said core to an area opposite said reversed-polarity held magnet pole, then outwardly through saidcurrent-conducting device into said reversed-polarity eld magnet pole and thence through said magnetic casing back to said magnets.v

'12: A dynamoelec'tric machine comprising a vfield magnet structure including a casing o'f maglnetizalole .materiale pluralityormagnets -having magnetic-poles disposed inlan arcuate path in 'said casing, the oppositeuendsfof said field magnet structure being separated from one another by an arcuate space,` an isolated field mag- -net pole of reverse polarity relatively to the polarities of said eld magnet structure disposed in said arcuate space, a rotor rotatably mounted adjacent said field magnet structure and cutting the magnetic field thereof, said rotor including a shaft, a pair of Idiscs of electrically-conducting material mounted on said shaft in axially-spaced relationship, a"'core of magnetic' material disposed between said discs, and a unidirectional electric current-conducting device mounted on and electrically interconnecting the peripheries of said discs, said device including approximately cylindrical flanges extending from 4the rperiph-- cries of said discs toward one another with agap lbetween their adjacent edges and an ionizable -gas disposed in said gap; and a current collector including collector elements mounted on said shaft and electrically connected to said discs. and

contact members engaging said collector elements for withdrawing therefrom the electric current generated therein, said machine having therein one path of magnetic iiux directe-d inwardly from said magnets to said core, 'then axially outward in both directions through the discs to the magnetic casing and thence back to the magnets, said machine also having another path oi' magnetic Eux directed inwardly from Said magnets to said core and circumierentially in said core to an area opposite said reversedpolarity field magnet pole, then outwardly through said current-conducting device into said reversed-polarity iield magnet pole and thence through said magnetic casing back to said magnets.

13. A dynamo-electric machine comprising a field magnet structure including a casing or" mag netizable material a plurality oi magnets having magnetic poles disposed in an arcuate path in said casing, the opposite ends of said eid magnet structure being separated from one another by an arcuate space, an isolated field magnet pole of reverse polarity relatively to the polarities of said field magnet structure disposed in said arcuate space, a rotor rotatably mounted'adjacent said iield magnet structure and cutting the magnetic eld thereof, said rotor including a shaft, a pair of discs o electrically-conducting material mounted on said shaft in axially-spaced relationship, a core of magnetic material disposed between said discs, and a unidirectional electric current-conducting device mounted on and electrically interconnecting the peripheries of said discs, said device including approximately cylindrical flanges extending from the peripheries of said discs toward one another with a gap between their adjacent edges and an ionizable gas disposed in said gap, one of said edges having a layer of electron-emissive material thereon; and a current collector including collector elements mounted on said shaft and electrically connected to said discs and contact members engaging said collector elements for withdrawing therefrom the electric -current generated therein, said machine having therein one path of magnetic iiux directed inwardly from said magnets to said core, then axially outward in both directions through the discs to the magnetic casing and thence back to the magnets, said machine also having another path of magnetic flux directed inwardly from said magnets to said core and circumferentially in said core to an area opposite said reversed-polarity i'ield magnet pole, then outwardly through said current-conducting device into said reversed-polarity field magnet pole and thence through said magnetic casing back to said magnets.

14. A dynamoelectric machine comprising a Seid magnet structure including a casing of magnetizable material a plurality of magnets having magnetic poles disposed in an arcuate path in said casing, the opposite ends of said eld magnet structure being separated from one another by an arcuate space, an isolated iield magnet pole of reverse polarity relatively to the polarities of said field magnet structure disposed in said arcuate space, a rotor rotatably mounted adjacent said i'ield magnet structure and cutting the magnetic field thereof, said rotor including a shaft, a pair of discs of electrically-conducting material mounted on said shaft in axially-spaced relationship, a core of magnetic material disposed between said discs, and a unidirectional electric current-conducting device mounted on and electrically interconnecting the peripheries of said discs, said device including' approximately cylindrical flanges extending from the peripheries of said discs toward one another with a gap between their adjacent edges and an ionizable gas disposed in said gap, one of said edges having a layer of electron-emissive material thereon, and a pair or coaxial sleeves of insulating material enclosing said gap and coaxial with said rotor; and a current collector including collector elements mounted on said shaft and electrically connected to said discs and contact members engaging said collector elements for withdrawing therefrom the electric current generated therein, said machine having therein one path of magnetic iiux directed inwardly from said magnets to said core, then axially outward in both directions through the discs to the magnetic casing and thence back to the magnets, said machine also having another path of magnetic flux directed inwardly from said magnets to said core and circumferentially in said core to an area opposite said reversed-polarity eld magnet pole, then outwardly through said current-conducting device into said reversed-polarity ield magnet pole and thence through said magnetic casing back to said magnets.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 339,772 Hering Apr. 13, 1886 1,082,579 Andrews et al Dec. 30, 1913 

